Timing valves and fluid controllers

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to timing valves and to controllers using such timing valves for controlling the pressure fluid between a supply line and a utilization line servicing one or more pressure utilization devices with pressure signals of adjustable duration and frequency. The operation of a pair of complementary timing valves in the controller is synchronized by the pressure signals applied to the utilization line. One timing valve begins its predetermined delay period on the application of the pressure signal, while the other timing valve begins its delay period on the termination of the pressure signal. Each timing valve includes a time-calibrated variable orifice forming part of a timing chamber which includes fluid which is placed under pressure by a flexible diaphragm. A master control valve coupling the supply line to the utilization line is controlled by the successive displacements of the diaphragms.

States'Patent [151 3,653,393

[451 A r.4,w72

[54] TIMING VALVES AND FLUID Primary ExaminerAlan Cohan @ONTROLLERSAttorney-R. Werlin [72] Inventor: Addison N. Love, Houston, Tex. 57ABSTRACT Assignee: Harold B p y This invention relates to timing valvesand to controllers using [22] Filed: May 5 1969 such timing valves forcontrolling the pressure fluid between a supply line and a utilizationline servicing one or more pres- [21] Appl. No.: 821,745 sureutilization devices with pressure signals of adjustable duration andfrequency. The operation of a pair of complemen- [52] U.S.Cl....'

137/102 137/624 1 4 tary timing valves in the controller is synchronizedby the pres- [511 Int Cl F16k31/'l2 sure signals applied to theutilization line. One timing valve begins its predetermined delay periodon the application of [58] Field of Search ..137/624.14, 102 thepressure signal, while the other timing valve begins its delay period onthe termination of the pressure signal. Each [56] References timingvalve includes a time-calibrated variable orifice form- UNITED STATESATENTS ing part of a timing chamber which includes fluid which is placedunder pressure by a flexible diaphragm. A master con- X trol valvecoupling the supply line to the utilization line is controlled by thesuccessive displacements of the diaphragms.

3,406,682 10/1968 Engstrom 3,530,890 9/1970 Bird v2,760,511 8/1956Greeff ..137/624.14X

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented April 4, I972 3,%53,393

4 Sheets-Sheet l I I I I I I I I I I I FIG.5

3 .4 TIME I I I l I I I I I I I I I I I I I I l I L 77 Addison N. LoveINVEN TOR FIG? BY Michael F? Breston ATTORNE I IPaIented Arifl 4, 1972 4Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIIIII IIIII I I IIII I I I II I I II I I I I I I I I IIII III Addison IVA Love INVENTOR BY Michael PBresfon F/GZ A T TORNE VPatented April 4, 1972 mwaw 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Addison N. Love INVENTORFIG. 3 BY Michael F. Breston ATTORNEY Patented April 4, 1972 4Sheets-$heet 4x Addison N. Love ./N VE N TOR 4 BY Michael F. Breston A TTORNEV TIMING VALVES AND FLUID CONTROLLERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPressure fluid utilization devices such as valves, motors, pneumaticallyoperated fog horns, etc., are typically operated or controlled by fluidcontrollers providing pressure fluid signals having time adjustable ONand OFF intervals. Such controllers for extracting from a supply sourcepressure signals are well known. Typically they employ timing mechanismswhich are recycled by solenoids or fluid-controlled valves. Thus, anindependent source of either electric power or pressure fluid must beprovided to operate such controllers.

In some installations the lack of electricity, while in others a serioussafety hazard, make the utilization of solenoid-controlled timingmechanisms undesirable. While fluid-controlled timing mechanisms arepreferred for such installations, in the I past they have requiredindependent pressure fluid control SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Improvedfluidoperated timing valves are provided for controlling pressure fluidbetween a supply line and a utilization line. A pair of such timingvalves acting in a complementary manner are employed in a controllerincluding a master control valve. The timing interval of one timingvalve is initiated at the start of the pressure signal while the timinginterval in the complementary valve is initiated at the end of thepressure signal. The valve spool in the master control valve isresponsive to the resultant effect of the pressures in two pressurefluid lines. The pressure in each line is controlled by a timing valve.

Each of the pair of complementary timing valves includes a housingdefining a timing chamber and a re-circulating chamber separated fromeach other by a flexible diaphragm. A timing spring when unrestrainedurges the diaphragm to compress the fluid in the timing chamber. Atime-calibrated variable orifice provides an outlet for the pressurefluid from the timing chamber to the re-circulating chamber. A controlrod is coupled to the diaphragm and is movable therewith. Fluid-operated means are coupled to the rod to periodically restrain therod and hence the diaphragm.

In one timing valve the rod is restrained at the start and in the othervalve the rod is restrained at the end of the pressure signal in theutilization line. By using a pair of such complementary fluid-operated,diaphragm-controlled timing valves, a fluid-operated utilization devicecan be provided with pressure signals of independently adjustableduration and frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustratepreferred timing valves and pressure fluid controllers using such valvesin accordance with this invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a more-or-less diagrammatic view of such a pressurefluidcontroller in one of its control positions when the pressure signal isOFF;

FIG. 2 shows the position of the controller immediately prior to theleading edge of the pressure signal;

FIG. 3 shows the position of the controller when the pressure signal isON;

FIG. 4 shows the position of the controller. immediately prior to thetrailing edge of the pressure signal; and

FIG. 5 is a pressure time diagram helpful in understanding the operationof the controller.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, whereinlike reference characters are applied to like parts throughout theviews, there is shown a fluid controller generally designated as 10 in ahousing 11. Controller I0 is adapted to continuously receive at an inletport 12 pressure fluid and to periodically supply to an outlet port 14pressure signals of adjustable duration and frequency. Inlet port 12 isconnected to an inlet line 16, and outlet port I4 is connected to autilization or signal line 18. Fluid communication between inlet line 16and signal line 18 is governed by a master control valve, generallydesignated as 20. Valve 20 defines a passageway 22 which is either openor closed depending on the position of its spool valve 24 in a bore 25.Bore 25 is in fluid communication with two axially opposed control ports27, 29 in the body 31 of valve 20. To control the displacement of spool24 there are provided two fluid-operated timing valves.

One timing valve, generally designated as 26, is actuated by pressurefluid in a branch line 30. The other timing valve, generally designatedas 28, is actuated by pressure fluid in a branch line 32. Both branchlines 30, 32 and signal line 18 are connected to a main line 34 whichreceives pressure fluid from the master valve 20 when passageway 22 isopen.

The displacement of spool 24 in bore 25 is controlled by the combinedeffect of pressure fluid in lines 40 and 42, respectively coupled tocontrol ports 27 and 29. Inlet line 16 is connected to line 40 through apilot valve 44 and to line 42 through a pilot valve 44. Timing valve 28provides a timed delay interval D on the application of pressure fluidthrough line 32, whereas timing valve 26 provides a timed delay interval D on the removal of pressure fluid from line 30. At the end ofinterval D the pressure in line 40 is reduced causing the upper (asshown in the drawings) displacement of spool 24. At the end of intervalD,, the pressure in line 42 is reduced thereby allowing spool 24 to movedownwardly. When both lines 40 and 42 are under substantially equalpressure, the acting forces on spool 24 are balanced and spool 24remains in the same position it assumed prior to both lines 40, 42 beingunder equal pressure. When spool 24 is in its upper position,

fluid passageway 22 is open to allow fluid pressure communicationbetween inlet line 16 and main line 34.

The timing valves 26, 28 will now be described in greater detail. Valve26 will hereinafter be referred to as the cycle timer since it controlsthe OFF-time of the pressure signal, and valve 28 will hereinafter bereferred to as the signal timer since it controls the ON-time of thesignal. Cycle timer 26 controls the displacement of a valve element 50,schematically represented by a triangle, in pilot valve 44. Valveelement 50 is connected to an elongated stem 52 which extends outwardlyof housing 54 of timer 26. Housing 54 defines a timing chamber 56, arecycling chamber 58, and includes a partition wall 60 having an upperface 62 and a lower face 64. Separating the timing chamber 56 from therecycling chamber 58 is a flexible diaphragm 66. The fluid from timingchamber 56 is allowed to vent out into the recycling chamber 58 througha time-calibrated orifice schematically represented as 68 contained inone or more dials (not shown). Fluid is allowed to enter the timingchamber 56 from therecycling chamber 58 through a suitable check valve70.

The timing mechanism portion of timer 26, which includes the diaphragm,the timing and recycling chambers, the calibrated orifice and the checkvalve, forms no part of this invention and can be purchasedcommercially. One such timing device offers nine discrete ranges from0.2 seconds to 60 minutes, adjustable by means of time-calibrated dialswhich control the opening of orifice 68.

A brief description of the operation of the conventionaldiaphragm-operated timing mechanism will now be given. A spring 69 ispositioned between a center head 72, in the center of diaphragm 66, andthe upper face 62 of wall 60. At the start of the timed interval Ddiaphragm 66 is pulled downwardly toward wall. :60, thereby allowingfluid to enter timing chamber 56 through check valve 70. Spring 69exerts an inward force on diaphragm 66 thereby compressing the fluid intiming chamber 56. The fluid is allowed to vent out from timing chamber56 to the recycle chamber 58 at a rate depending on the time-calibratedopening oforifice 68.

In accordance with this invention to the center head 72 is secured acontrol rod 74 extending outwardly through an opening 77 in end wall 76of housing 54. Between the lower face 64 of partition wall 60 and endwall 76 is provided a double-diameter cylinder 80 slidably receivingtherein a doublediameter piston 82 having an upper O-ring 84 and a lowerring 86 to define therebetween a fluid-tight control chamber 88 whichcommunicates with line 30. Piston 82 has an axial bore 90 which extendsfrom its upper face 92 to its lower face 94. Lower face 94 terminates acontrol finger 96 which may be integral part of the body of piston 82,as shown in cross-section. Piston 82 includes a downwardly directedcylindrical opening 100 housing a piston bias spring 102 resting againstend wall 76 and against the bottom wall 104 in the cylindrical opening100. Spring 102 normally urges piston 82 upwardly whereas pressure fluidin chamber 88 urges piston 82 downwardly against the force of spring102.

Coupled to the free end of actuating rod 74 is an actuation mechanismgenerally designated as 106, which, in its simplest form, may include ahorizontal (as shown in the drawings) lever arm 108 having a sufficientlength so that it can lift stem 52 when actuating rod 74 is in itsraised position. Movement of stem 52 unseats the pilot valve element 50of the three-way pilot valve 44 thereby discontinuing or throttling downthe pressure fluid communication between inlet line 16 and control line40, while at the same time allowing the pressure in line 40 to exhaustthrough vent 107 around stem 52.

The signal timer 28 is in all respects similar to the cycle timer 26except that in timer 28 the double-diameter piston is inverted and theforce exerted by the piston bias spring is in an opposite direction.Therefore, to facilitate the understanding of the timers 26 and 28 likereference characters added with a prime have been applied to like partsin timer 28. The dif ference in the operation of timer 28 from that oftimer 26 will become apparent from the description of the operationwhich follows. For the sake of completeness, normally connected to theinput 12 of controller 10 is a pressure fluid source 120 supplyingpressure fluid to input line 16 via suitable valves 122, 124. To theoutput 14 of controller 10 is connected a suitable utilization devicesuch as a motor valve 126. Obviously any other utilization device may beconnected to controller 10.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION In FIG. an arbitrary initial time instance wasselected and designated as T The condition of controller at time T isshown in FIG. 1. Spool 24 is then at its lowermost position. Finger 96is raised to allow spring 69 to initiate the time interval D Finger 96'is at its lowermost position to prevent spring 69' from exerting a forceagainst diaphragm 66. As a result, lever 108 is disengaged from stem 52and lever 108' is disengaged from stem 52'. Fluid communication betweeninlet line 16 and control lines 40 and 42 is established through thethree-way pilot valves 44 and 44'. Since the same pressure fluid is inboth lines 40, 42, spool 24 is not subjected to an unbalanced force andremains in its lowermost position thereby closing the fluid passageway22 between inlet line 16 and main line 34.

Depending on the time set on the dial ofthe variable orifice 68, fluidfrom timing chamber 56 is allowed to vent out into the recycling chamber58. The transfer of fluid from timing chamber 56 allows diaphragm 66 tomove inwardly and actuating rod 74 to move upwardly.

At time T D diaphragm 66 has traveled from its extended position to itsrelaxed position, as shown in FIG. 2. Since operating rod 74 alsotraveled with diaphragm 66, lever arm 108 will engage stem 52 causingpilot valve element 50 to become unseated, thereby reducing pressurefluid communication between lines 16 and 40 and allowing the pressurefluid in line 40 to escape through vent 107. A reduction in pressure inline 40 causes an upward force to become exerted on spool 24 by thepressure fluid in line 42. At time T spool 24 will have shifted from itslowermost position to its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 3. Thedirection of the acting forces on the various parts are shown throughoutthe drawings by arrows.

When spool 24 is in its uppermost position, fluid communication isestablished between line 16 and main line 34 through the passageway 22in the master control valve 20. As soon as pressure fluid is establishedin line 34 it is communicated through branch lines 30, 32 to theactuating chambers 88, 88, respectively, As a result, piston 82 movesdownwardly and piston 82 moves upwardly.

Of course, pressure fluid in main line 34 provides pressure fluid tooutlet 14 and hence to utilization device 126. Thus, at time T startsthe leading edge of the pressure signal or pulse, subsequent to timeinterval D provided by cycle timer 26.

Since finger 96' is in its uppermost position, timing spring 69 is nolonger restrained and is allowed to exert a force against the fluid intiming chamber 56. Just as with cycle timer 26, the operating rod 74'moves upwardly until lever 108 is allowed to engage the stem 52'. Thelifting of the pilot valve element 50 produces at time T a reduction inthe pressure in line 42, as shown in FIG. 4, and the ensuing downwarddisplacement of spool 24 at time T thereby marking the trailing edgeofthe pressure signal or pulse 130.

The position of the controller 10 thereafter will be the same as shownin FIG. 1. The controller 10 is ready to start its operating cycle allover again.

The entrapped fluids in master control valve 20 are vented through vent132. As will be seen from FIG. 5, time interval D T and time interval DT T What I claim is:

I. In a fluid controller having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, theinlet being connectable to a pressure fluid source, the outlet beingconnectable to a pressure fluid utilization device, the controllercomprising:

a master control valve connected between said inlet and said outlet toprovide to said outlet periodic pressure pulses, said master controlvalve having a first control port and a second control port,

a valve element responsive to the resultant pressure between said firstand second control ports thereby generating said pressure pulses;

a first pilot control valve connected between said inlet and said firstport;

a first fluid-operated timer intermittently closing the first pilotvalve;

a second pilot control valve connected between said inlet and saidsecond port;

a second fluid-operated timer intermittently closing the second pilotvalve;

a first fluid line connecting said outlet to said first fluidoperatedtimer;

a second fluid line connecting said outlet to said second fluid-operatedtimer;

said first pilot valve being normally open to allow fluid communicationbetween said inlet and said first control port and being closed after apredetermined first time interval subsequent to the application ofpressure fluid from said inlet to said outlet; and

said second pilot valve being normally open to allow fluid communicationbetween said inlet and said second control port and being closed after apredetermined second time interval subsequent to the removal of pressurefluid from said outlet; and

each ofsaid fluid-operated timers including:

a timing chamber,

a recycling chamber,

a flexible diaphragm separating said timing chamber from said recyclingchamber,

atiming spring coupled to said diaphragm to urge said diaphragm in adirection to compress the fluid in said timing chamber when said springis unrestrained, and

means including an adjustable orifice to allow the fluid from saidtiming chamber to flow into said recycling chamber.

2. The fluid controller of claim 1 and further including: a control rodattached to said diaphragm and movable therewith, Y

fluid actuatable means responsive to the pressure fluid in said outletfor periodically restraining said diaphragm spring, and

actuating means coupled to said rod for controlling the fluid flowthrough said pilot control valve.

3. The controller of claim 2 wherein,

said fluid actuatable means include a piston having a center bore forslidably receiving said rod,

a piston-bias spring normally urging said piston toward said timingchamber, and

said piston moving away from said timing chamber in response to appliedfluid pressure.

4. The controller of claim 2 wherein,

said fluid actuatable means include a piston having a center bore forslidably receiving said rod,

a piston-bias spring normally urging said piston away from said timingchamber, and v said piston moving toward said timing chamber in responseto applied pressure fluid. 5. A fluid controller including:

at least one master control valve comprising a body having a fluidinlet, a fluid outlet, and a valve element adapted to move when actuatedto control fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet;

at chamber, one fluid-operated timer comprising a timing chamber, arecycling chambjer, a flexible diaphragm separating said timing chamberfrom said recycling chamber, timing means including an adjustableorifice to allow the fluid from said timing chamber to flow into saidrecycling chamber, and a control element coupled to said diaphragm andmovable therewith;

actuating means coupled between the control element and said valveelement for moving said valve element in response to the movement ofsaid control element said master control valve defines a bore, and saidvalve element is a spool slidable in said bore.

7. The fluid controller of claim 6 wherein said restraining means areresponsive to the fluid in said outlet.

8. A fluid controller including:

at least one master control valve comprising a body having a fluidinlet, a fluid outlet, and a valve element adapted to move when actuatedto control fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet;

a first fluid-operated timer;

a second fluid-operated timer;

each of said first and second timers comprising a timing chamber, arecycling chamber, a flexible diaphragm separating said timing chamberfrom said recycling chamber, timing means including an adjustableorifice to allow the fluid from said timing chamber to flow into saidrecycling chamber, and a control element coupled to said diaphragm andmovable therewith;

first actuating means coupled between the control element of said firsttimer and said valve element;

second actuating means coupled between the control elemerit of saidsecond timer and said valve element;

said valve element being movable in response to the resultant effectproduced by said first and second actuating means to provide to saidoutlet periodic fluid pulses; each timer including;

a timing spring coupled to the diaphragm to urge the diaphragm in adirection as to compress the fluid in said timing chamber when saidspring is unrestrained, and

restraining means for periodically restraining the diaphragm spring.

9. The fluid controller of claim 8 wherein the body of said mastercontrol valve defines a bore, and said valve element is a spool slidablein said bore.

10. The fluid controller of claim 9 wherein said restraining means areresponsive to the fluid in said outlet.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent- No I,653,393 Dated April 4 1972 Inventor(s) ADDiSON N. LOVE 7 It iscertified that'error appears in the aboveidentified patent and that saidLetters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, line 35, "chamber," should read least line 36, "chambjer"should read chamber Signedand sealed this'8th day of May 1975.

(SEAL) Attest:

, EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTS CHALK Attesting Officer ICommissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 u.s. GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE: I969 o-3ss3:4.

1. In a fluid controller having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, theinlet being connectable to a pressure fluid source, the outlet beingconnectable to a pressure fluid utilization device, the controllercomprising: a master control valve connected between said inlet and saidoutlet to provide to said outlet periodic pressure pulses, said mastercontrol valve having a first control port and a second control port, avalve element responsive to the resultant pressure between said firstand second control ports thereby generating said pressure pulses; afirst pilot control valve connected between said inlet and said firstport; a first fluid-operated timer intermittently closing the firstpilot valve; a second pilot control valve connected between said inletand said second port; a second fluid-operated timer intermittentlyclosing the second pilot valve; a first fluid line connecting saidoutlet to said first fluidoperated timer; a second fluid line connectingsaid outlet to said second fluidoperated timer; said first pilot valvebeing normally open to allow fluid communication between said inlet andsaid first control port and being closed after a predetermined firsttime interval subsequent to the application of pressure fluid from saidinlet to said outlet; and said second pilot valve being normally open toallow fluid communication between said inlet and said second controlport and being closed after a predetermined second time intervalsubsequent to the removal of pressure fluid from said outlet; and eachof said fluid-operated timers including: a timing chamber, a recyclingchamber, a flexible diaphragm separating said timing chamber from saidrecycling chamber, a timing spring coupled to said diaphragm to urgesaid diaphragm in a direction to compress the fluid in said timingchamber when said spring is unrestrained, and means including anadjustable orifice to allow the fluid from said timing chamber to flowinto said recycling chamber.
 2. The fluid controller of claim 1 andfurther including: a control rod attached to said diaphragm and movabletherewith, fluid actuatable means responsive to the pressure fluid insaid outlet for periodically restraining said diaphragm spring, andactuating means coupled to said rod for controlling the fluid flowthrough said pilot control valve.
 3. The controller of claim 2 wherein,said fluid actuatable means include a piston having a center bore forslidably receiving said rod, a piston-bias spring normally urging saidpiston toward said timing chamber, and said piston moving away from saidtiming chamber in response to applied fluid pressure.
 4. The controllerof claim 2 wherein, said fluid actuatable means include a piston havinga center bore for slidably receiving said rod, a piston-bias springnormally urging said piston away from said timing chamber, and saidpiston moving toward said timing chamber in response to applied pressurefluid.
 5. A fluid controller including: at least one master controlvalve comprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and avalve element adapted to move when actuated to control fluidcommunication between said inlet and said outlet; at chamber, onefluid-operated timer comprising a timing chamber, a recycling chambjer,a flexible diaphragm separating said timing chamber from said recyclingchamber, timing means including an adjustable orifice to allow the fluidfrom said timing chamber to flow into said recycling chamber, and acontrol element coupled to said diaphragm and movable therewith;actuating means coupled between the control element and said valveelement for moving said valve element in response to the movement ofsaid control element thereby providing to said outlet periodic fluidpulses; a timing spring coupled to said diaphragm to urge said diAphragmin a direction as to compress the fluid in said timing chamber when saidspring is unrestrained, and restraining means for periodicallyrestraining said diaphragm spring.
 6. The fluid controller of claim 5wherein the body of said master control valve defines a bore, and saidvalve element is a spool slidable in said bore.
 7. The fluid controllerof claim 6 wherein said restraining means are responsive to the fluid insaid outlet.
 8. A fluid controller including: at least one mastercontrol valve comprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet,and a valve element adapted to move when actuated to control fluidcommunication between said inlet and said outlet; a first fluid-operatedtimer; a second fluid-operated timer; each of said first and secondtimers comprising a timing chamber, a recycling chamber, a flexiblediaphragm separating said timing chamber from said recycling chamber,timing means including an adjustable orifice to allow the fluid fromsaid timing chamber to flow into said recycling chamber, and a controlelement coupled to said diaphragm and movable therewith; first actuatingmeans coupled between the control element of said first timer and saidvalve element; second actuating means coupled between the controlelement of said second timer and said valve element; said valve elementbeing movable in response to the resultant effect produced by said firstand second actuating means to provide to said outlet periodic fluidpulses; each timer including; a timing spring coupled to the diaphragmto urge the diaphragm in a direction as to compress the fluid in saidtiming chamber when said spring is unrestrained, and restraining meansfor periodically restraining the diaphragm spring.
 9. The fluidcontroller of claim 8 wherein the body of said master control valvedefines a bore, and said valve element is a spool slidable in said bore.10. The fluid controller of claim 9 wherein said restraining means areresponsive to the fluid in said outlet.